Cork's 'bionic boy' Calum to hear for first time

A three-year-old boy from Cork will today hear for the first time.

Calum Geary from Ballyhooly was born without hearing nerves in his ears. He has been dubbed "bionic boy" after a special microchip was fitted in his head.

Only 144 children in the world have undergone the intricate procedure.

Surgeons in the UK will today switch on the computerised hearing system.

If the implant works as intended, it will pave the way for Calum to travel to the US for specialist audio-verbal therapy later in the year.